At a joint city-county public hearing held July 13, both the Marysville City Council and the Snohomish County Council voted to approve the Central Marysville Annexation plan.

The plan, which has been in the works for nearly 3 years, was introduced publicly at a July 7 forum held at Marysville-Pilchuck High School. Well over 100 citizens attended the meeting, designed to gather input from residents who will be impacted by the proposed shift in city limits. The annexation will increase the city's population by nearly 19,000, making Marysville the second-largest city in Snohomish County.

A few residents voiced concern about the lack of a public vote to approve the annexation plan, but most were looking for clarification about taxes, sewer and septic regulations, police and fire response, and waste management issues.

City administrator Mary Swenson explained that the city and county opted to execute an Interlocal Agreement rather than bearing the cost of a public vote to move the annexation forward. The area in consideration, which is generally north of Grove Street and east of State Avenue, has long been identified as part of the city's Urban Growth Area and its eventual inclusion within the city limits is mandated by county and state regulations.

Recent changes in state law have made annexation of large areas more attractive for cities, Swenson continued. For the next ten years, Marysville will receive a "bonus" of additional sales tax revenue, which is estimated at between $1 million and $2 million per year, to help pay for infrastructure improvements and personnel additions necessitated by the population growth.

According to figures released by the city, taxes are generally equivalent for property owners in unincorporated Snohomish County and within the city limits. In 2009, city residents paid approximately $9.8869 per $1,000 of assessed value, while county residents paid approximately $10.1935 per $1,000. Water and sewer rates within the city are lower than rural charges, although Marysville does add a 5 percent general utility tax on phone, gas and electric services. According to Public Works director Kevin Nielsen, property owners in the annexation area should expect about a 30 percent overall decrease in utility rates.

Nielsen also assured residents that homeowners who currently employ an approved septic system will not be required to connect to a city sewer line, and the county's contract with Waste Management for garbage pickup will remain in effect for a minimum of seven years following the annexation.

Under the Interlocal Agreement, the city is expecting a fairly smooth transition as the area moves from a rural designation to a more urban one. Permits, zoning and livestock usage will remain virtually unchanged for most property owners; addresses and school assignments will remain the same; and property tax exemptions for seniors and the disabled will continue to apply.

Following the July 13 vote, the city will submit a Notice of Intent to the Boundary Review Board of Snohomish County. The BRB will have 120 days for review and public hearings, with a final city hearing planned in December 2009.

For more information about the Central Marysville Annexation, or any other land use activities, contact the Community Development Department at (360) 363-8100.

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